HADHRAT ABU ZARR GHIFFARY RA - A GREAT SAHABI

Every companion of our beloved Rasul Sallallahalaihiwasallam was a guiding star and we should always strive to preserve the honor of the Sahabah RA. To dishonor a Sahabi is to dishonor Deen. Sayyiduna Abu Zarr RA was a Sahabi who had certain very stringent views regarding wealth and possessing of worldly items etc. Sayyiduna Abu Zarr RA was of the opinion that a person was not allowed to accumulate not even a days’ worth of provision in this world. As such Sayyiduna Abu Zarr RA could not live with the people and was advised by the Sahabah to go and live out of town to avoid confrontation with others.

SAYYIDUNA ABU ZARR RA GOES TO RABDHA
Due to his conviction on his interpretation regarding this matter, Sayyiduna Abu Zarr RA went to live in a  secluded area called Rabdha a place on the outskirts of Madeenah. There are two views pertaining to his going, one being that he went voluntarily and the other that he was advised to do so by the other Sahabah so as to not cause difficulty for others. The other Sahabah did not agree with the view of Abu Zarr in this regard. So it was better for him and everyone else that he moved to a place where he could live peacefully. Sayyiduna Abu Zarr RA moved to Rabdha of his own choice, understanding the sensitivity of the matter and because he used to go to this place in the time of  Rasul Sallallahalaihiwasallam. It is noteworthy here that Abu Zarr RA moved away so that harmony could prevail in the community. He did not force his view and position on anyone and respected the opinion of the other companions. This was his large-heartedness and wisdom - he respected the views of the others and himself chose to move away to avoid creating any uneasiness and strife.

NO COMPARISON
Recently in a program of the new Wifaq group, a comparison was drawn between a certain Alim and Sayyidina Abu Zarr RA. This comparison is a sad indictment on Abu Zarr RA who was a mountain of humility and piety and sacrifice and submitted himself to bringing harmony in the community by not forcing his opinion on others. This was the teaching of the Sunnah.  To compare this Sahabi with anyone else, especially someone who is known to make IRTIDAAD, TAKFEER, TAFSEEQ of Ulama and has severely criticized our Akabireen and Deeni work in this country and has caused so much of division of the Ummah is a disrespect to the great honor of this Sahabi.

AVOID DISRESPECT
We should never in any way bring any type of comparison that will be an indictment to the Sahaba. The Sahabah must be held in the highest honor and any dishonor to their good name must be avoided. We should make Tawbah for any dishonor on our side to the Sahabah. May Allah Ta'ala forgive us.

YOUNG ULAMA SOUTH AFRICA (YUSA)